'Iraq must break out of the cycle'
We want no ‘entanglement’ in regional wars, says advisor to PM
In an op-ed for Asharq Al-Awsat, Farhad Aladdin, a senior advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, addresses the critical issue of Iraq’s position amidst regional and international conflicts.
He states, “Iraq is certainly striving to avoid entanglement in a conflict imposed by another party,” highlighting the country’s desire for peace and stability.
This comes against the backdrop of recent U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria as a response to a drone strike in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops, underscoring the volatile situation that Iraq seeks to navigate.
Aladdin emphasizes the exhaustion faced by Iraqi citizens due to decades of war and the government’s commitment to improving their lives. He notes, “We want to safeguard their security, improve basic services, rebuild infrastructure, and invest in our human and natural resources to build a promising future for Iraqis.”
Aladdin critiques the use of Iraq as a theater for conflict, especially following the recent U.S. strikes and Iranian attacks on civilians in Erbil, and outlines the government’s stance on the presence of International Coalition forces.
“Iraq must break out of the cycle of regional and international conflicts,” he asserts, amidst ongoing concerns over the implications of foreign military actions on Iraqi sovereignty and the broader regional stability. Iraq filed complaints to the UN Security Council following the Iran strikes and summoned U.S. diplomats to voice objections to U.S. strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq last week.
The op-ed delves into the Iraq’s suffering from decades of war and the current government’s ‘ambitious’ rebuilding program. Aladdin explains that despite the heavy burden left by this legacy, the current government led by Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has taken on the responsibility of rebuilding the state.
Highlighting the strategy for maintaining Iraq’s sovereignty and ensuring its security, Aladdin outlines several priorities, including enhancing bilateral relations and distancing Iraq from conflicts. He insists, “Iraq cannot be subordinate to anyone, nor can be any party’s backyard.”
The senior advisor concludes with a strong message on the importance his government places on ending the state of war for Iraq’s future. “Ending the state of war is a priority for the Iraqi state,” he states, amid efforts to ensure Iraq’s stability and prosperity despite the challenges posed by regional disputes and the presence of foreign military forces.
